Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Share
Business Profile

Mobile Phone Service

Consumer Cellular

Reviews

This profile includes reviews for Consumer Cellular's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Find a Location

Consumer Cellular has 3 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    Customer Review Ratings

    4.24/5 stars

    Average of 6,655 Customer Reviews

    Want to share your experience?

    Leave a Review

    Review Details

    • Review fromNoel N

      Date: 04/05/2023

      1 star

      Noel N

      Date: 04/05/2023

      I am a Consumer Cellular customer and ********************** advised me that I needed to switch my Sim card from ******** to an **** Sim card. They made it sound like it was a necessary swap over and so I went ahead and started to do the switch and ordered Sim cards. little did I know what a mess this would end up being. I was mailed to Sim cards supposedly one for my wife's phone and one for my daughters phone when I receive them both Sim cards were for my daughters phone, which was the first mistake. then I had to call Consumer Cellular and it was a fiasco getting my daughter Sim card to work. I finally had to call back a second time because my phone call was dropped and my Wi-Fi was dropped and I'm still not sure if that was part of the problem with the information download that they were putting to my daughters phone. the problem was my fault, but the rest of it was because the technician was not aware of a limitation that once a Sim card is activated it may take anywhere from immediately up to 24 hours before phone calls are allowed to be made or received. When I made the call back and talk to another person, trying to get my wife's phone updated because they had sent out another Sim card for her but they activated it before they sent it so then my wife was not able to make phone calls or receive them. while I'm talking to this person she asked for the **** code of my wife's phone. I did not have that because my wife had her phone with her so I had to send a text message to my wife asking for her **** code. The technician then advised me that she could not stay on the line because there is a two minute limit on wait time with the customer in this situation that's when I blew my top on top of everything else that was going wrong. While at the store, I was advised by the technician that Consumer Cellular was switching to **** because it was cheaper than ********. Consumer Cellular has hidden this fact from customers which I believe is extremely unprofessional.

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 04/13/2023

      We are sorry to hear of the frustrations encountered when moving Cellular Networks. We made the decision to migrate our services from many reasons, the top being to deliver our customers the fastest data speeds and highest quality calls on our network. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience.
    • Review fromCandy P

      Date: 04/03/2023

      1 star
      My dads phone never was activated. They kept saying give it 24 hrs, then 72hrs. Numerous times They did not try to resolve issue but were still charging him phone use Refused to refund payments. Service was canceled 3 mths later!!! Never again
    • Review fromRichard C

      Date: 04/02/2023

      1 star

      Richard C

      Date: 04/02/2023

      I have boughtc3 phones from them they stooped working within first couples of months just sent sent one back it a couple of scratches nothing that would cause mechanical issue. also took to cell phone repair place was told the screen on button was defective but they seen the scratches and didn't accept the return now I'm stuck paying 3 phones 2 that don't work. I would buy a phone from someone else they have issues with their phone quality and don't seem to care about it

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 04/04/2023

      We are sorry to hear of the frustration you have encountered with our devices, we understand it is important to have a working cell phone. Consumer Cellular facilitates the manufactures warranty process for several phone manufacturers. In order to qualify for a warranty replacement the device must be in like-new condition.
    • Review fromNora D

      Date: 03/27/2023

      1 star

      Nora D

      Date: 03/27/2023

      I purchased a new phone feb. 4th because I thought my phone had a problem. I was not aware the service was the problem. The clerk convinced me that I was my phone . I bought a new one only to return it 3 days later because it was the consumer service that was down. I got a call about a month later stating it was about to go to collections . I explained that I returned the phone to target. I was told if I did not have my receipt I would be CHARGED. I emailed the purchase and return receipt 2 weeks ago and each time I call I get a service rep. **** states they can't see the screen it must go to a sup. Well it has been reviewed by 3 diff. Sup. The proof us there so when can I expect my account to be cleared. So much for ****** free return. ***********************

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 03/30/2023

      Thank you for taking the time to discuss your account with us today. We are sorry for the delays you faced during this process. We are happy we got everything resolved for you today. We wish you the best of luck in the future!
    • Review fromSharon A

      Date: 03/26/2023

      1 star

      Sharon A

      Date: 03/26/2023

      Dont do business with them. I bought. Phone me it was too small. Returned it and the person in ****** who received the phone LIED and said it was scratched when I returned it! This is not true. They just didnt want to refund me for my return! Iris their word against mine. They should have indicated where the scratches were located! Had been doing business with them well over a decade! Dont sign up with them! They dont honor their customers.

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 03/27/2023

      We are sorry to hear the device was not eligible for a refund. We do offer a Risk-Free guarantee to our existing customers to ensure the device they are purchasing will meet their needs. Our wireless customer service agreement outlines the guarantee. Devices purchased by existing customers are subject to a 14 day return period. Devices must be returned in a like-new condition in their original packaging. Devices that are damaged (including water damage),unsanitary, dented, cracked, scratched or missing all original kit components may be denied a return.Unfortunately, we are only able to offer the return if the device is in like new condition. We would be happy to review the account status and options available surrounding the device. Please reach out to our customer care department.
    • Review fromCatherine W

      Date: 03/21/2023

      1 star

      Catherine W

      Date: 03/21/2023

      I had an account with Consumer Cellular and cancelled in February. I was sent a bill due on March 4th and was set up auto pay which was still in effect. Called and was told they would issue refund as it was taken out a week early. Then I got a bill again -no refund of the first payment and told them would be paid when I received the refund. March 8th they took payment and I called and was told that they voided it. However it also went through my bank. I keep getting told it could take a month to get refund. I am totally frustrated and have asked for a manager in billing department as I M getting another bill for more than I owed.

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 03/22/2023

      As we bill in arrears if an account is canceled the final bill is due when the cancelation is complete however we do have payment arrangements available to our customers. When a refund is processed it generally takes the financial institutions 3-7 days to process the refund. This can vary by institution and if an account is closed or the card number is changed it can cause unusual delays. I am sorry to hear the refund issued on the closed Consumer Cellular has not been applied.
    • Review fromsean m

      Date: 03/20/2023

      1 star
      the company screws u on auto up grades. I got a simple 40$ plan at target (which they don't even ****** consummer cellular anymore) and for 2 or 3 months I got charged normal but the service was c*** but I didn't expect alot for 40 bucks. then they changed me 50 bucks one month and said it was for over my data and explained the bill is based on what u use not what u signed up for. I don't like that but payed the bill coz I need a number. now they said I own $60 co I auto upgraded to their unlimited (which is $ 50 it says on their on their site for 1 line) because I auto up graded again. this company is a scam they do not warn u when ur data is out and are confusing with their billing cycle and dues.
    • Review fromRenee L

      Date: 03/20/2023

      1 star
      This is the singular worst company to deal with. And please NEVER EVER buy anything from them. I've been a great customer to them, paying my bills in advance. I think their customer service people are sincere and really try, but I feel sorry that the company's policies are so dreadful and self serving and that decision makers are unavailable to help resolve issues. It is an unacceptable way of doing business. STAY FAR, FAR AWAY. But if you are an Employer please consider hiring former CC CSReps. They are quite good. They'd have to be to put up with lack of management support, IT support (or is that just poor management again?) and horrendously bad policies, which makes the reps appear to be lieing. Maybe they are taught to lie.I live in ** so I don't know where to send this BBB complaint to, but I have several transcripts of long chats with CC. They advertise that they don't make you sign any contracts, but I bought a new phone from them, I can't get it transferred to another carrier, even though the new carrier followed detailed instructions. They said it was the fault of the new carrier. But 2 family members have the same phone as me and they are on with the new carrier, no problems. Because my device was turned on by CC slightly over the 30 day ownership ***** CC is saying I can't return the device, even though they decided the phone was "glitchy". So I'm STUCK with them for a while. UGH, a $400 device purchase paid in full. They won't allow me to return it, nor will they give me a pro-rated amount for it. Then another source said when you purchase a device from them CC won't unlock it for 6 months to keep you locked in. Of course, CC doesn't disclose this, do they?No recourse. Absolutely unacceptable. I wish I could leave a NO STAR rating here, but BBB requires at least 1 star.
    • Review fromSusan C

      Date: 03/19/2023

      1 star

      Susan C

      Date: 03/19/2023

      I decided, after 30 years, to let go of ATT and transfer to CC, for economic purposes, but also practical because I like the clean simplicity of the company. On a weekend, I was speaking to a Rep about my mom's account and mentioned plans to someday switch to CC; he grabbed on that like a rapid dog and reeled me in with a 'free' add a line promo and that we could start the process now. Told me it was only $15.00 to add the line and my mother and I would share the texting and Data Plan. I got the **** transfer pin, unlocked the phone and he said 'we'll get is started and then once you receive the *** card you can put it in your ******** and you'll be good to go !!! 4 days later I got the ***, put it in and called CC to activate me. Started the process over the phone, but at some point during the convo, ATT terminated me. Okay. And, I noticed that CC was no longer servicing me or the call ?? . After several hours of no phone service, I attempted the online chat. I would get a person and we messaged back and forth .They would call up my account and go through a lengthy research. The problem got more complicated and the chat was terminated! I did this with 5 different people! I was told my phone was not compatible. Eventually, I was without phone service (outgoing and receiving) for a total of 6 days in rural **********, during the Floods and 1 hour away from my elderly mother. One of the reps mentioned I did not have VoLTE (voice over LTE) on my phone. In the end: he was correct, BUT the snake oil guy who reeled me in was quick to say all phone are compatible. I was forced to buy a chintzy foreign phone made for a child or small Asian woman! My fingers barely fit, it doesn't hold a charge and is inferior. Thanks, CC. But, being without phone service was extremely dangerous. I will not refer anymore family/friends to CC. OH! It's $15.00 per person for a phone line. Was mislead. Bye Bye CC

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 03/22/2023

      We understand how important it is to have access to services and depend on your phone. We hope you and your mother are safe during the flooding happening around you. To be compatible with our service, the phone must be unlocked by your previous carrier, be VoLTE capable and able to take a *** card. We have a high success rate as long as these requirements are met. All phones and models are different and we will do everything we can to determine if the device will work with our service, however, we cannot guarantee it will work until the *** is placed in the phone.We are sorry to hear of the frustration you have faced and would be happy to review the options available to you. Please contact our US Based customer support so we can assist.
    • Review fromMark A

      Date: 03/14/2023

      3 stars

      Mark A

      Date: 03/14/2023

      I haven't had problems with their customer support team but something I wish I could do and isn't allowed is change my caller ID. I was a long time customer to ******** and due to a local branch manager I switched services without making sure that they would allow me to change my Caller ID like others did. Unfortunately I am told they can't. It can only show my phone number. I am self employed and would like my company name to show up on clients phones when I call. I may have to switch companies.

      Consumer Cellular

      Date: 03/15/2023

      Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your recommendation. Unfortunately, you are correct, at this time we can only show wireless caller and the number, however, we are always evolving and looking for ways to improve our service. We appreciate your time and hope we are able to offer personalized caller ID in the future. We consistently look for ways to improve the service we offer, and feedback from our customers is imperative to our growth and improvement. We place heavy emphasis on our customers opinions as to how we may provide **************** to them.

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.